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Thursday, July 31, 2014

The Five Players that are proving their worth in Bourbonais


Training camp is a time for players to show what they are made of. From an injured veteran looking to show he still has it to an unproven rookie trying to prove himself everyone gets a chance in training camp. In Bourbonnais the Bears have been hard at work for almost a week with several players gaining the attention of the coaching staff, media, and fans. These individuals are fighting for both backup and starter positions this camp.

1.) Kelvin Hayden- Cornerback
Missing most of last year with a torn hamstring Hayden is an older player looking to prove he still has it. Kyle Fuller has been that talk of the camp but Hayden has proved that he can add depth to the cornerback position. Tim Jennings has been sitting out with an injury and Hayden has gotten valuable time in camp to get some work. Two interceptions and a few break ups so far this camp have coaches seeing that Hayden still has it. Camp is not over yet but Hayden is earning an opportunity if Tillman or Jennings goes down.

2.) Chris Williams- Wide Receiver/Returner
Having a return specialist is a luxury in the NFL and the Bears have been beyond lucky with Devin Hester. With Hester gone the Bears have brought in former CFL speedster Chris Williams to fill the void at returner. Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis has raved about Williams speed and experience in the CFL. Williams has showcased his athleticism and explosiveness in both special team and receiver drills. Trestman is a former CFL coach has a general feel already for Williams. It's early in training camp but Williams is showing his worth as a special teams contributor.

3.) Eben Britton- Guard/Tackle
With Kyle Long sitting out due to a viral infection, Eben Britton has had the opportunity to run with the first team. Getting the reps is huge for not only him but also for the Bears. The big muller fits right into the system and serves as an extra blocker in jumbo packages. In camp he has held his own against the revamped 1st team defense but went down yesterday with an injury during 1 on 1 drills. He is currently listed as day to day but has proven himself a worthy asset to the Bears.

4.) Nate Collins- Defensive Tackle
When an athlete is coming off of an ACL injury you never know what quite to expect. Nate Collins is setting the expectations high with his play thus far in training camp. In 1 on 1 drills, he has shined the brightest of possibly all the defensive linemen. Collins has shown the ability to beat blockers with both good technique and power.

5.) Jimmy Clausen- Quarterback
The battle for the backup quarterback position has definitely heated up with the emergence of Jimmy Clausen as the front runner. The former second round pick was not who the Panthers thought he was but Trestman could be revitalizing Clausen's career. In camp this week Clausen has manned the two minute drill like a leader and has been on target with his passes though most of the week. Clausen could be this year's Josh McCown barring a Cutler injury.